During the holiday season, when expenses tend to rise, many individuals seek ways to supplement their finances post-Christmas. Retired police officer Roy Foulkes, residing in West Hallam, Derbyshire, has generated over £5,500 in cash and vouchers by identifying and reporting vacant and dilapidated properties.
In 2024, Roy discovered YouSpotProperty, a platform rewarding individuals for pinpointing abandoned residences. Initially, the company offers a £20 Amazon or M&S voucher for correctly identifying an empty property. If YouSpotProperty purchases, renovates, and sells the house, the spotter receives 1% of the purchase price, capped at £10,000.
Roy has amassed £4,750 through 1% rewards after two properties he reported were rescued by YouSpotProperty, along with 39 £20 vouchers totaling £780. The first property earned him £2,350, and the second, £1,620, which he has used for household items, vacations, and experiences with his grandchildren.
The initial property qualifying for the 1% fee was spotted by Roy during a walk in his former patrol area. Despite prior reports to the local council yielding no action, YouSpotProperty swiftly acknowledged his submission, leading to a successful transaction.
The second property came to Roy’s attention near a former council dwelling in Derby. While out with his grandson, he noticed a neglected house obscured by trees, documenting the scene for assessment. Reporting it led to a £1,620 reward upon purchase.
In addition to his voucher rewards, Roy has utilized them for household purchases, feeling gratified for contributing to society while earning extra income. The Empty Homes Network estimates that over £465 billion worth of properties in England and Wales remain vacant.
YouSpotProperty distributes around 110 £20 M&S or Amazon vouchers monthly to individuals reporting eligible properties, with weekly reports ranging from 350 to 450. The company averages seven 1% reward fees monthly for homes acquired and restored, ranging from £17,000 to £3 million.
Co-founder Benjamin Radstone emphasized the significant impact on empty homes, as YouSpotProperty aids in their revival and shares rewards with the public.